Bigibila grew into an inquisitive little animal and one day decided she would like to explore more of her Country.
But such an adventure brings dangers she did not predict and suddenly finding her way home is not easy at all.
Corey Tutt and Irma Gold have combined their considerable talents to give us a beautiful story, through the eyes and heart of Bigibila, that highlights what it means to find your home and connect with your culture and family.
Woven throughout the story is Gamilaraay language, introducing younger readers to First Nation cultural words and helping them understand connections to Country. Corey Tutt is a Kamilaroi man and the bigibila (echidna) is his totem animal, so it is no surprise his embedded message to care for these animals shines through his words.
The earthy pastel palette used by Jessica immediately transports the reader to a place with a warm yellow sun shining down on red soil, native plants and animals in the heart of Country. The cute echidnas and their enchanting eyes will no doubt bring delight to the readers.
Woven throughout the story is Gamilaraay language, introducing younger readers to First Nation cultural words and helping them understand connections to Country. Corey Tutt is a Kamilaroi man and the bigibila (echidna) is his totem animal, so it is no surprise his embedded message to care for these animals shines through his words.
The earthy pastel palette used by Jessica immediately transports the reader to a place with a warm yellow sun shining down on red soil, native plants and animals in the heart of Country. The cute echidnas and their enchanting eyes will no doubt bring delight to the readers.
This is such a simple but deceptively deep story. At one level it is an animal that gets lost then journeys to find its way home; but on another level it can be used to explore in more depth themes, such as belonging, connections to family and culture, as well as personal identity.
The last pages of the book provide excellent information about bigibila (echidnas) as puggles, their stages of growth, as well as highlighting why we should allow them to roam free and admire them from a distance. As a besotted fan of echidnas, I found the story and information captivating. Who knew echidnas were excellent swimmers?
This book deserves to be in the hands of our youngest readers, on bookshelves, discussed in classrooms and in the hearts of all readers.
Title: Come Home, Bigibila
Authors: Corey Tutt, Irma Gold
Illustrator: Jessica Tedim
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 31 March 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761181863
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book
